The production of the Israeli hit TV series Fauda has come under fire on social media after users complained it was hiring extras for the filming of its fourth season without pay.
Ynet has learned that producers were offering extras reimbursement for travel expenses of up to NIS 50 ($16) without further payment.
"The gall, do not go there under any circumstance. These productions got money. It's simply exploitation and it's disgusting. Pay NIS 200–300. They can take their 'experience' elsewhere," one user wrote on Facebook.
"What's up with television productions in Israel? You might be fooled to think they haven't got the budget for it," wrote another.
"What's the next step? Charging extras for being on the thing?" a third netizen asked.
An industry source which Ynet has spoken to said that this was improper conduct on the part of the production and that extras should be paid for their time. However, another source found no wrong in the production's actions, saying that Israeli productions have to make do with limited resources and provide an engaging experience to participants.
2 View gallery
A crew films a scene on the set of Israel's hit TV show Fauda, in Tel Aviv, May 30, 2019
(Photo: AP)
The show's producers said that "the issue will be examined and resolved until the beginning of filming in a way that respects all participants in the shooting."
A source in the Economy Ministry said that every person must be compensated for their work by law and failing to pay for employment is a criminal offense.